Dr. Sparks is committed to helping people live a healthier life.

What we put on our skin is vitally important. It is said that the chemicals that touch our skin will be in our blood stream in 23 seconds. This is why we need to take precautions when it comes to what types of beauty products we use. One of the most common offenders is soap.

Let me start by saying that if you want to throw something out today, toss your anti-bacterial soaps filled with Triclosan. The FDA is issuing warnings regarding Triclosan and has taken it out of hospitals. If that isn’t enough, you should toss it because we need a certain amount of bacteria in our lives. When we are exposed to bacteria and viruses our immune system get’s stronger. This is important if we want to be effective at fighting off future illnesses.

Soaps can also contain the following.

Parabens: have an estrogen mimicking effect that is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.Phthalates: They are found in personal care products. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increase breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females.SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate): They are found in personal care and cleaning products. They are known to causes skin, lung, and eye irritation. When combined with other toxic chemicals, they cause kidney and respiratory damage.

Well this all brings me to my favorite soap that is free of all the nasty things above. I buy them from Nancy Powell at the Tea Time Emporium in Waynesville. The company is called the 23 Soap Company and is run by a local man in Asheville. He creates them from scratch and hand crafts each one. There is no pre-packaged glycerine or molds going on here. They are vegan, handcrafted soap containing oils such as coconut, palm, olive, argan, avocado and castor in various blends. Then he adds essential oils to them. Let’s just say that the lather is amazing and my skin has never felt so soft! I have actually changed from a body wash to a bar of soap kind of girl because they are that amazing. I buy them as gifts for friends and family and can’t get enough of them.

Ok rant over. But seriously they are amazing. I hear that they now have amazing deodorant too and I am going to pick some up as soon as I am finished with my current bottle. I believe Nancy does sell small samples of soap if you just want to check them out. You can never go wrong with a visit to the store as Nancy makes every feel at home with a little tea, cookies and great conversation. So buy local and give yourself a treat!